Friends in recovery with no meeting to attend

I have many friends in recovery who regularly attend support groups to maintain their recovery.  I know they value this time attending meetings. Right now I am seeing meetings having to close up for the time being. I can imagine this is very hard to have this support closed off from them.

First, and if after reading this part you don't want to read the rest, I am good with that. I haven't attended a support group meeting in a long time. I just don't go anymore. Personally, I have some philosophical differences with the twelve step way of recovery. What I don't have any disagreement with is it being a significant pathway of recovery for those that choose it.  If it works for you that is awesome!  And right now, I can empathize with that source of support being reduced.

What I want to share are the things I do on a regular basis to support my recovery. You might find some of these thing helpful in the interim while you aren't able to attend meetings.

1.  Morning routines.  I get up at the same time seven days a week. I get out of bed, make my bed, and then open up the blinds and curtains.   This will let the morning light in and has a positive mental effect on us.  After I feed the girls (our dogs), I head out the door on a morning walk.  I do these morning habits every morning without fail.   Additionally, after the morning walk, I do some form of exercise or morning relaxation before starting my day.  I do these things in some shape or form everyday. Without fail. Starting your day off on a good footing is critical to being able to walk through whatever that day hands you.

2. Connection with others. I reach out to friends and family everyday. Not just when I am in need, but even when I am not.  I keep strong connections with several people in my life regularly. I have a core group of men who I talk to throughout the week. This is vital. Especially with what we are going through right now. These people know me and I know them.  We share life success and life struggles. And for me, I don't only have people I share these things with who are in recovery themselves.  I have friends who are simply human just like me.  I have found this to be a great way to broaden my circle of support.

3. Positive or neutral input in my brain.  On purpose, I take negativity out of my life. I purposely scroll past negative posts, don't read the news outside of just enough to keep me informed, and most important is my self talk.  I tell myself to thing at minimum with a neutral mindset, but, more so I try to think positive.  What I for sure is don't allow is constant negativity.

4.  Get outside: I make sure I get outside throughout the day. With the current situation there is nothing preventing me from going on walks and/or runs and hikes.  Exercise is KEY to my success as a person in recovery. A consistence exercise routine is one THE best anti-depressants out there.   You don't need a gym either.  Just get outside and get busy.

5. Nutrition:  I can't stress enough the importance of having some balance in this area.  What we put in our body has direct impact on how we are able to deal with life. When life sucks I MUST watch what I am putting in my body.  I can NOT expect that I will be able to cope with life's stressors if I am putting massive amounts of caffeine and sugar in by body.   Balance, for me, is the key.   I watch my caffeine and sugar intake always.   I love coffee, but monitor how much I drink.   I love donuts!  But know I MUST be careful about how much sugar intake I have on any given day.   I am NOT a nutrition guru and do NOT believe in diets.   I believe in balance.

6. Using our past in a positive way:  Now is the time where I am using my past in a massively positive way.  Mind you, I am a forward thinking person....I DO NOT spend time rehashing my past again and again. I don't do it. But, I DO use my past to propel myself forward. Right now, with what we are going through, it pales in comparison to what I have been through. I CAN get through this.  I know this because I have seen hell first hand in my life. This is nothing. I CAN get through this.  That is how I use my past.  To think back times when I have been through tough times and came out the other side.

In closing I want to say to all my friends and family in recovery......this is our time to shine!   You can and will get through this. We have been through much tougher times than this.  Take care of yourself and take care of those around you.

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